Dual Diagnosis Treatment in College Station, TX

Dual diagnosis treatment in College Station uses a combination of treatments and therapies designed to address both the addiction and the co-existing mental health disorder simultaneously. The objective of dual diagnosis treatment programs is to provide the psychopharmacology and appropriate counseling to address symptoms of the mental health disorder, while integrating drug and alcohol rehab treatments to also address the underlying psychological triggers behind addictive substance abuse.

The primary benefit of seeking dual diagnosis treatment in College Station is that each treatment program is tailored to suit each individual person's needs. Every person's triggers for substance abuse are unique to them, just as the specific type of mental health problem that needs to be addressed will not be the same for every person.

The most effective dual diagnosis treatment programs take into account the type of drug being taken, the length of use, the dosage being taken, and the specific mental health problem that needs to be treated. When each person is individually assessed, it's easier to customize the right combination of medications, therapies and treatments to improve the chances of making a successful recovery.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis is the name given when a person has a substance abuse disorder at the same time as symptoms of at least one co-occurring mental health disorder.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 45% of people with a substance abuse disorder also have at least one co-existing mental health disorder. Conversely, 51% of people with symptoms of a mental health disorder also struggle with at least one substance abuse disorder.

Despite the high prevalence of dual diagnosis, it's estimated that only around 7.4% of people who need specialized treatment to deal effectively with both conditions receive the appropriate treatment needed.

Traditionally, facilities for mental health care are completely separate to those for treating drug or alcohol addiction. People with mental health problems are often sent away to receive rehab treatments first before being admitted to a mental health care facility.

However, research indicates that outcomes are significantly improved if dual diagnosis treatment programs address both conditions at the same time in specialized drug and alcohol rehab centers.

Types of Mental Health Disorders

There are some types of mental health disorders that may be more commonly linked to substance abuse than others. These may include:

Depression: There is a long-standing link between depressive illnesses and substance abuse. Many people battling with depression may turn to drugs or alcohol to elevate mood or numb painful feelings. However, abusing drugs or alcohol can make symptoms of depression worse, which can trigger a cycle of addiction.

Anxiety disorders: There are several different types of anxiety disorders that can be highly distressing for the sufferer. Anxiety and panic disorders are debilitating for many people, who may use drugs or alcohol in an effort to calm over-stressed nerves, or to relieve anxiety symptoms. However, mind-altering substance can make symptoms of anxiety worse.

Other types of anxiety disorders include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can be extremely debilitating for sufferers who may choose to numb painful emotions or memories with a cycle of substance abuse.

Likewise, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that causes enormous distress for sufferers. Some people may achieve temporary respite by repeating compulsive rituals, like hand-washing or checking and re-checking that doors are locked. However, when the rituals stop, the anxiety returns, which leads many to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.

Bipolar disorder: Once known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a serious psychiatric disorder that is commonly associated with sudden changes in mood and behavior. Statistics show that alcohol is the most commonly abuse substance among people with bipolar disorder, although around 41% of people with the condition also have a history of drug abuse or addiction.

Why is Dual Diagnosis Treatment Necessary?

Specialized dual diagnosis treatment in College Station is necessary, as it's important to address both conditions simultaneously to improve outcomes. Trying to treat the addiction in drug and alcohol rehab without treating the underlying mental health disorder may increase the risk of relapse. Our programs for relapse prevention in College Station therefore accounts for the possibility of a dual diagnosis.

Likewise, trying to treat the symptoms of mental illness without addressing the psychological triggers behind addictive behaviors may also worsen the substance abuse problem.

Dual diagnosis treatment programs in College Station take both conditions into account when determining the correct counseling models and behavioral therapies to treat each individual person. Call us now at (877) 804-1531.